Anti money laundering agency nominee declares Sh61.2m net worth during MPs' vetting

The nominee for Director General Financial Reporting Centre Naphtaly Rono has declared he is worth Sh61.2 million.

He made the disclosure as Members of Parliament vetted him for the role following his nomination by the Anti-Money Laundering Board, through the National Treasury.

Rono is currently a deputy director of counterintelligence at the National Intelligence Service.

Appearing before the Departmental Committee on Finance and National Planning, Rono revealed the figure in response to a direct question on his personal wealth, setting a tone of transparency for his vetting.

He began by stating he was deeply honoured to appear for the statutory exercise and thanked Treasury CS John Mbadi and the Anti-Money Laundering Advisory Board for the nomination.

Outlining his background, Rono said, "I am 51, born in Chesumei constituency, Nandi county, to a policeman and a homemaker. My early life was shaped by that societal environment. My parents sacrificed to take us to school and instilled the values of hard work, humility, and patriotism. These values have guided me in the many positions I have held."

His educational journey took him from Kabaa Primary School to Kapsabet High School, where he was a classmate of MP Paul Biegon, before he earned a Degree in Law and a Master's in International Finance.

After private legal practice, he joined the National Intelligence Service (NIS), rising to head of legal services for a decade. "I advised the service on all legal matters and developed legislation, some of them touching on the mandate of FRC," he noted.

He also served on the National Police Service Commission, where he led the development of Human Resources regulations. He stated that his direct link to the anti-money laundering field came through his NIS roles.

"I have been assistant director of operations and am currently deputy director of counterintelligence. It is during this time that I interacted a lot with the AML space. I was part of the task force involved in the removal of the country from the grey list. That experience will be vital in my new assignment," Rono explained.

He confidently argued for his suitability. "If approved, the skills I have gained will be handy as the country navigates the process of removal from the grey list. I bring a combination of international finance knowledge, intelligence, and legal expertise vital to the role. I see this position as a high patriotic calling," he stated.

The session began with declarations of personal interest, prompted by MP Betty Maina (Murang'a Woman Representative).

Paul Biegon (Bomet East) acknowledged their shared school days at Kapsabet High, while Peter Kaluma (Homa Bay Town) noted their closeness at university and on parliamentary committees.

CPA John Rutto (Kesses) commented that, "Conflict can only be on business but not friendship," a sentiment echoed by Shadrack Mwiti (South Imenti), who said, "Growing up together doesn't amount to a conflict of interest."

Committee Chair Kuria Kimani (Molo) ruled the declarations sufficient for the vetting to proceed. MPs then probed his leadership philosophy and integrity.

Q: What exemplary leadership do you bring to the organisation?

Rono: "It is about integrity, credibility, building a vision, and inspiring teams. Key skills for this regulatory environment include a strategic outlook. The space FRC operates in is dynamic, with many stakeholders, requiring strong communication and resource mobilisation skills. The centre is also unique as it manages both seconded and directly employed staff."

Q: How have you handled your previous roles as required by integrity laws?

Rono: "I view leadership as service. At the NPSC, the team I chaired ensured only candidates who met all requirements were recruited. I have made difficult, unilateral decisions based solely on the law and facts, without external influence."

Q: Is there anything in your public or private life that will make you conflicted?

Rono: "None."

The committee also comprised of members, including Joseph Oyula (Butula), Benjamin Lagat (Ainamoi), CPA Julius Rutto (Kesses), David Mboni (Kitui Rural), Umul Ker Kassim (Mandera WR), Paul Biegon (Chesumei), and Ariko Namoit (Turkana Central).